Jao Camp

Rising Out of the Vast and Active Wetlands

In the central region of the Jao Concession vast open floodplains provide some of the most stunning scenery Botswana has to offer. Jao Camp lies in the southern side of the plains, an area with beautiful islands fringed with riverine forests.
Jao Camp has nine spacious tents, each individually handcrafted. These twin-bedded canvas and thatched rooms are situated beneath a canopy of shady trees and have en-suite facilities, as well as an outdoor shower for the more adventurous. Built on raised decks, each has a private sala for afternoon siestas and offers wonderful views of the spectacular surrounding floodplains of Botswana.
In addition to the lounge and dining area, there are two plunge pools and an outdoor boma for dining under the stars, complemented by wines from an excellent wine cellar. Jao Camp also has a spa where a wide range of massage therapies are offered.
Mokoro (canoe), boat trips, fishing, nature walks (which must be requested prior to travel), day and night game drives and birding are usually on offer all year round due to the abundance of wildlife in Botswana. There are two platform hides in the concession. During an unusually high flood season, game drives begin by boating out to a nearby Hunda Island where the vehicles are waiting, and the drive begins from there. Huge herds of red lechwe antelope can be seen, followed by their primary predator - prides of lions. Other game typical of Botswana include elephants, buffalo, leopards, tsessebe, zebra and wildebeest, hippos and crocodiles.
A twenty minute drive from camp sits the Jao platform where guests, who stay at camp a minimum of 3 days, can sleep out under the stars one night during their stay. The platform is surrounded by water and available only when the water levels allow. A maximum of 4 guests and a guide. Guests are transferred to the platform after dinner and they return early the next morning before breakfast and the morning game drive begins. Alternatively guests can book a private vehicle so they do not have to return so early.
Many bird species are resident such as Meyer's parrot, African harrier hawk, black egret, coppery-tailed coucal, Malachite Kingfisher, hamerkop and black crake being some of the avian treasures found at Jao Camp.

Ever increasing in popularity, the summer months in Southern Africa (November – March) offer a different safari experience as short showers green the dry grasslands and clean the bright blue skies. Photographers delight in the clear light, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, and rare bird sightings. Because the resident wildlife disperses to many abundant water sources, you may have to work a bit harder to see the animals, but you will have the added benefit of seeing many babies who arrive at this time of year. …read more

Receive reduced rates at many top camps coupled with well-priced flying and road transfers.
Minimum number of nights varies depending on countries selected, specified below. No maximum numbers of nights…mix and match. No single supplement on accommodation. Children 6 to 16 years sharing in a family room with full paying adults, pay 50% of the adult rate. Child rates are only applicable at camps with family accommodations.

Night Drive

Off-Road Game Viewing

In national parks and some other reserves, rules prohibit leaving the designated safari paths. But the wildlife are not always considerate enough to stay nearby. Get better vantages (and better photos) by heading off-road.

Outdoor Dining

A lunch or dinner out in nature is one of the hallmarks of a luxury African experience. Your connection to the landscape is undisturbed and the food tastes even more special in this most wonderful of settings.